DCLS IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

University of Cincinnati

The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) is an advanced practice degree for practicing, professionally certified, medical laboratory scientists who are interested in increasing practical and theoretical knowledge of clinical laboratory science, advancing in the profession, and positively impacting the current healthcare system through interprofessional collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.The DCLS will provide the depth of knowledge and training required to provide real-time clinical decision support thereby mitigating the challenges to improved patient outcomes associated with laboratory testing.The DCLS will interpret complex testing panels, address appropriate clinical utility, and correlate test results with patient’s symptomology to provide real-time clinical decision support. The DCLS will serve as a consistent resource for the patient and members of the healthcare team. By providing these consultations, the DCLS will enable meaningful use, appropriate utilization management, and provide interpretation leading to better patient care and safety while also lowering cost and increasing reimbursement.DCLS graduates will be prepared to act as consultants to healthcare providers, serve as laboratory directors, educate patients and healthcare providers, perform, and disseminate research on evidence base practice and test utilization, and enter academic faculty positions.